Another lights thread (sorry!)
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 1,266
Bikes: 2012 Specialized Sirrus
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Another lights thread (sorry!)
The daylight savings time change hit me unawares - the last time I experienced it was 8 years ago, and I had forgotten - I also thought it would be end of this month. So I now have two fairly decent tail lights, and one decent head light - aimed at being seen. However, I don't really have a light that will help me see - the headlight I have is supposed to be 50 lumen, by dx.com(dealextreme) description. I don't think that is good enough to bike home in the dark though - and 6pm seems to be pretty dark after the time change.
I'm wading through the lights under $50 thread - thats a loong thread! But most of the recommendations are dx.com based, and while I am not averse to ordering from there, the shipping is really, really slow. So any other lights that I can buy here which would work, in a similar price range? Maybe all the way to $100 - though I'm cheap (and not rich) so that will be pushing my limit.
If you can suggest any other websites that sell the same stuff as dx.com (or ebay sellers who will ship the same stuff, but from the US), that would be helpful too.
I'm wading through the lights under $50 thread - thats a loong thread! But most of the recommendations are dx.com based, and while I am not averse to ordering from there, the shipping is really, really slow. So any other lights that I can buy here which would work, in a similar price range? Maybe all the way to $100 - though I'm cheap (and not rich) so that will be pushing my limit.
If you can suggest any other websites that sell the same stuff as dx.com (or ebay sellers who will ship the same stuff, but from the US), that would be helpful too.
#2
Senior Member
At least you didn't start a chain lube thread.
I bought a 3 pack of these for 20 bucks at Costco and made a set of snap on handlebar mounts out of a pop rivet and PVC. Super bright and super cheap. Outfitted three bikes for under 30 bucks total.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OHEf...eature=related
I bought a 3 pack of these for 20 bucks at Costco and made a set of snap on handlebar mounts out of a pop rivet and PVC. Super bright and super cheap. Outfitted three bikes for under 30 bucks total.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OHEf...eature=related
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 1,266
Bikes: 2012 Specialized Sirrus
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
The Costco website doesn't have the 200 lumen lights, they have a (out-of-stock) Techlite 150 lumen set of two for $27. Will go down to the local Costco tomorrow and check - but thanks a lot for the suggestion. Will also check out Home Depot - I don't mind a big light, as long as I can find a way to mount it.
Edited to reply to no1mad:
I'm not sure actually - this is my first time buying lights. My commute is on lit streets (not very bright) and unlit MUP - so any suggestions on what I should be looking for? Shouldn't be totally unsuitable for the MUP, given that people may be walking there - so I like the two 150 lumen lights idea - can use both on the street if required, and only one on the MUP.
As to external power - AAA or AA would probably be better, since I already have a charger and some rechargeable batteries stocked - but I'm open to change.
Some more context - my commute is a total of 3 miles one way - about 1 mile on the MUP and two on the streets. Most streets are not very busy - and the one that is has a dedicated bike lane (but there are parked cars between the bike lane and the pavement).
Edited to reply to no1mad:
I'm not sure actually - this is my first time buying lights. My commute is on lit streets (not very bright) and unlit MUP - so any suggestions on what I should be looking for? Shouldn't be totally unsuitable for the MUP, given that people may be walking there - so I like the two 150 lumen lights idea - can use both on the street if required, and only one on the MUP.
As to external power - AAA or AA would probably be better, since I already have a charger and some rechargeable batteries stocked - but I'm open to change.
Some more context - my commute is a total of 3 miles one way - about 1 mile on the MUP and two on the streets. Most streets are not very busy - and the one that is has a dedicated bike lane (but there are parked cars between the bike lane and the pavement).
Last edited by treadtread; 11-05-12 at 12:13 AM.
#6
Thunder Whisperer
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: NE OK
Posts: 8,847
Bikes: '06 Kona Smoke
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 275 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
2 Posts
No experience with this particular light, but it came highly recommended from another BF member who has used it (and a known 'flashaholic'). It will take 3xAAA, but you'll get a bit more output/runtime if you use 1x18650. This mount from the same vendor should work- might contact them prior to ordering to make sure.
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 1,266
Bikes: 2012 Specialized Sirrus
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
No experience with this particular light, but it came highly recommended from another BF member who has used it (and a known 'flashaholic'). It will take 3xAAA, but you'll get a bit more output/runtime if you use 1x18650. This mount from the same vendor should work- might contact them prior to ordering to make sure.
#8
Thunder Whisperer
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: NE OK
Posts: 8,847
Bikes: '06 Kona Smoke
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 275 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
2 Posts
I believe a bunch of their stuff is sourced out of China, but they do QC and stand behind what they sell. A bit more expensive, but the product will work. And they ship from Brooklyn... may want to contact to make sure they are up and running after the storm hit. They shipped pretty fast when I bought a charger from them.
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 1,266
Bikes: 2012 Specialized Sirrus
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Does anyone have experience with this?
https://stupidbright.com/Products.php
Is that too bright for my intended use?
https://stupidbright.com/Products.php
Is that too bright for my intended use?
#10
Senior Member
I ordered from Keygos.com and the light came within a week from Hong Kong. They have a headlamp/bike light combo that works really well, and it comes with 2 18650 batteries and the charger. It was also only $33 US.
https://www.keygos.com/product_info.php?products_id=1156
(I'm not in any way related to the seller. I'm just a happy customer.)
https://www.keygos.com/product_info.php?products_id=1156
(I'm not in any way related to the seller. I'm just a happy customer.)
#11
Tractorlegs
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: El Paso, TX
Posts: 3,185
Bikes: Schwinn Meridian Single-Speed Tricycle
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 119 Post(s)
Liked 60 Times
in
42 Posts
Does anyone have experience with this?
https://stupidbright.com/Products.php
Is that too bright for my intended use?
https://stupidbright.com/Products.php
Is that too bright for my intended use?
__________________
********************************
Trikeman
Trikeman
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: central ohio
Posts: 1,536
Bikes: 96 gary fisher 'utopia' : 99 Softride 'Norwester'(for sale), 1972 Raleigh Twenty. Surly 1x1 converted to 1x8, 96 Turner Burner
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
I've ordered from shiningbeam several times. Bryan stands behind his products. Personally I wouldn't consider ordering anything from DX. Shipping takes way too long and QC is suspect. Right now, I'm using the Terralux 220 from Amazon. For $27, w/shipping, it's been a durable and dependable light. Comparable to any other AA out there.
#13
Motorcycle RoadRacer
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,828
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
The daylight savings time change hit me unawares - the last time I experienced it was 8 years ago, and I had forgotten - I also thought it would be end of this month. So I now have two fairly decent tail lights, and one decent head light - aimed at being seen. However, I don't really have a light that will help me see - the headlight I have is supposed to be 50 lumen, by dx.com(dealextreme) description. I don't think that is good enough to bike home in the dark though - and 6pm seems to be pretty dark after the time change.
I'm wading through the lights under $50 thread - thats a loong thread! But most of the recommendations are dx.com based, and while I am not averse to ordering from there, the shipping is really, really slow. So any other lights that I can buy here which would work, in a similar price range? Maybe all the way to $100 - though I'm cheap (and not rich) so that will be pushing my limit.
If you can suggest any other websites that sell the same stuff as dx.com (or ebay sellers who will ship the same stuff, but from the US), that would be helpful too.
I'm wading through the lights under $50 thread - thats a loong thread! But most of the recommendations are dx.com based, and while I am not averse to ordering from there, the shipping is really, really slow. So any other lights that I can buy here which would work, in a similar price range? Maybe all the way to $100 - though I'm cheap (and not rich) so that will be pushing my limit.
If you can suggest any other websites that sell the same stuff as dx.com (or ebay sellers who will ship the same stuff, but from the US), that would be helpful too.
Get one of the Magicshines or the knock offs. They start at about $40
You wanna see? You get the 3800, you will see the world, and the world will see you!!!
Get this, and you don't break the bank!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3x-CREE-XML-...item25704dbc6f
Or this..
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1800Lm-CREE-...item2a21445fc3
Last edited by cehowardGS; 11-05-12 at 07:19 AM.
#14
Mad bike riding scientist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 27,274
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
Mentioned: 150 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6147 Post(s)
Liked 4,093 Times
in
2,325 Posts
Shucks, I am the president of the "cheap and not rich club"...
Get one of the Magicshines or the knock offs. They start at about $40
You wanna see? You get the 3800, you will see the world, and the world will see you!!!
Get this, and you don't break the bank!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3x-CREE-XML-...item25704dbc6f
Or this..
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1800Lm-CREE-...item2a21445fc3
Get one of the Magicshines or the knock offs. They start at about $40
You wanna see? You get the 3800, you will see the world, and the world will see you!!!
Get this, and you don't break the bank!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3x-CREE-XML-...item25704dbc6f
Or this..
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1800Lm-CREE-...item2a21445fc3
__________________
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
#15
Unlisted member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 6,193
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1376 Post(s)
Liked 432 Times
in
297 Posts
I've ordered from shiningbeam several times. Bryan stands behind his products. Personally I wouldn't consider ordering anything from DX. Shipping takes way too long and QC is suspect. Right now, I'm using the Terralux 220 from Amazon. For $27, w/shipping, it's been a durable and dependable light. Comparable to any other AA out there.
#16
Senior Member
Just took a 1 1/2 inch length of schedule 80 PVC (used for electrical conduit, very strong) cut it down the middle to get two U shaped pieces. To mate them back to back I first ground the point of contact between them flat and drilled a hole through both to be a snug fit for a large, short pop rivet and riveted them together and hammered down the rivet a bit more for a more flush fit.
A little smooth sanding to pretty it up.
Warmed it to about 300 degrees in a toaster over and quickly inserted the flashlight into one side and the other onto the handle bars. Let it cool and remove the light and take it off the bars, reheat it and slightly bend the curves for a "snap on" fit.
I also put a small round piece of adhesive backed velcro over the pop rivet so it won't scratch the handle bars or flashlight.
I didn't take any pics of the process but here is one of them on a bike.
If/ when I make another set I'll take some detailed pics and post them.
A little smooth sanding to pretty it up.
Warmed it to about 300 degrees in a toaster over and quickly inserted the flashlight into one side and the other onto the handle bars. Let it cool and remove the light and take it off the bars, reheat it and slightly bend the curves for a "snap on" fit.
I also put a small round piece of adhesive backed velcro over the pop rivet so it won't scratch the handle bars or flashlight.
I didn't take any pics of the process but here is one of them on a bike.
If/ when I make another set I'll take some detailed pics and post them.
Last edited by Ira B; 11-05-12 at 12:09 PM.
#17
Slowpoke
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Near Boulder Colorado
Posts: 140
Bikes: old Stumpjumper, Riv Simple One, Riv Cheviot
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I use the costco flashlights. I mount them to my handlebars with a pair of crossed hose clamps.
#18
Motorcycle RoadRacer
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,828
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
There's nothing wrong with your suggestions concerning the light but purchasing from China can have a long lead time. This seller (and there are others) ships from the US.
#19
Senior Member
Heres another one I made on a different bike, holding a different flashlight ( POS from Wal-Mart) and painted blue instead of black. (sched 80 PVC is gray)
Last edited by Ira B; 11-05-12 at 12:16 PM.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: North County San Diego
Posts: 1,664
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Just took a 1 1/2 inch length of schedule 80 PVC (used for electrical conduit, very strong) cut it down the middle to get two U shaped pieces. To mate them back to back I first ground the point of contact between them flat and drilled a hole through both to be a snug fit for a large, short pop rivet and riveted them together and hammered down the rivet a bit more for a more flush fit.
A little smooth sanding to pretty it up.
Warmed it to about 300 degrees in a toaster over and quickly inserted the flashlight into one side and the other onto the handle bars. Let it cool and remove the light and take it off the bars, reheat it and slightly bend the curves for a "snap on" fit.
I also put a small round piece of adhesive backed velcro over the pop rivet so it won't scratch the handle bars or flashlight.
I didn't take any pics of the process but here is one of them on a bike.
If/ when I make another set I'll take some detailed pics and post them.
A little smooth sanding to pretty it up.
Warmed it to about 300 degrees in a toaster over and quickly inserted the flashlight into one side and the other onto the handle bars. Let it cool and remove the light and take it off the bars, reheat it and slightly bend the curves for a "snap on" fit.
I also put a small round piece of adhesive backed velcro over the pop rivet so it won't scratch the handle bars or flashlight.
I didn't take any pics of the process but here is one of them on a bike.
If/ when I make another set I'll take some detailed pics and post them.
#22
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 1,266
Bikes: 2012 Specialized Sirrus
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Went to Costco, but the Techlite wasn't available - not there on their website either.
The keygos.com light was 220 lumen, and after including the cost of the mount, would have cost the same as the MagicShine knock-off which is (supposedly) 1200 lumen. The San Francisco based StupidBright said they don't offer any warranty at all other than the 7 day return. Tmart.com was more expensive than the ebay seller Cycommute linked, so I ended up getting that for $35.55.
Will arrive between the 8th and the 12th - will keep you guys updated.
Edited to add:
Another reason I ended up choosing that light is because the light has three brightness levels - so if it is too bright for the MUP I can tone it down a bit.
The keygos.com light was 220 lumen, and after including the cost of the mount, would have cost the same as the MagicShine knock-off which is (supposedly) 1200 lumen. The San Francisco based StupidBright said they don't offer any warranty at all other than the 7 day return. Tmart.com was more expensive than the ebay seller Cycommute linked, so I ended up getting that for $35.55.
Will arrive between the 8th and the 12th - will keep you guys updated.
Edited to add:
Another reason I ended up choosing that light is because the light has three brightness levels - so if it is too bright for the MUP I can tone it down a bit.
Last edited by treadtread; 11-05-12 at 03:02 PM. Reason: ..
#23
Senior Member
Went to Costco, but the Techlite wasn't available - not there on their website either.
The keygos.com light was 220 lumen, and after including the cost of the mount, would have cost the same as the MagicShine knock-off which is (supposedly) 1200 lumen. The San Francisco based StupidBright said they don't offer any warranty at all other than the 7 day return. Tmart.com was more expensive than the ebay seller Cycommute linked, so I ended up getting that for $35.55.
Will arrive between the 8th and the 12th - will keep you guys updated.
Edited to add:
Another reason I ended up choosing that light is because the light has three brightness levels - so if it is too bright for the MUP I can tone it down a bit.
The keygos.com light was 220 lumen, and after including the cost of the mount, would have cost the same as the MagicShine knock-off which is (supposedly) 1200 lumen. The San Francisco based StupidBright said they don't offer any warranty at all other than the 7 day return. Tmart.com was more expensive than the ebay seller Cycommute linked, so I ended up getting that for $35.55.
Will arrive between the 8th and the 12th - will keep you guys updated.
Edited to add:
Another reason I ended up choosing that light is because the light has three brightness levels - so if it is too bright for the MUP I can tone it down a bit.
I'm sure there are better lights, but every time I start pricing it out it comes to a lot more than $33.
#24
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 1,266
Bikes: 2012 Specialized Sirrus
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
The Keygos light I linked to is 1200 lumens, or at least very generously rated at that. Even if only half that it is still plenty bright. I like that it is self contained, comes with everything including 2 batteries and is flexible for other uses. It was our backup light during Hurricane Sandy. When you shine it at the ceiling the entire room is light enough to read in although it has an eerie glow. Luckily we didn't need it.
I'm sure there are better lights, but every time I start pricing it out it comes to a lot more than $33.
I'm sure there are better lights, but every time I start pricing it out it comes to a lot more than $33.
But my purchase has sprung a leak. Just received an automated message from the ebay seller I bought the light from stating that she is out of office till the 9th because her boyfriend is in the hospital with stomach cramps - so it doesn't seem likely that I will get the light soon after all
I'll see how dark it gets tonight, and if really required, drive in for a few days. Oh well ..
#25
Motorcycle RoadRacer
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,828
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
Does anyone have experience with this?
https://stupidbright.com/Products.php
Is that too bright for my intended use?
https://stupidbright.com/Products.php
Is that too bright for my intended use?
IMO again, that light would be perfect for you..